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Mel Brooks Does it Again

Mel Brooks' name used to be synonymous with classic comedies filled with bawdy, irreverent humor and the occasional Nazi. Today, mention Mel Brooks' name and Broadway hits will most likely be the initial response.

After revitalizing and conquering Broadway with his monster hit of a musical, "The Producers," Brooks has once again turned one of his classic comedies into a lavish Broadway musical. "Young Frankenstein," which has already gained worldwide attention for breaking the record for most expensive ticket on Broadway (over $400), does not disappoint those in search of a laugh-out-loud good time on Broadway.

Though it may not be as inventive or ambitious as "The Producers" was, "Young Frankenstein" still manages to take the basic elements of "The Producers" and apply them to a Transylvanian village, a not-quite-insane scientist and an inspector missing both an arm and a leg. You do not need to see the film in order to enjoy this play, which has epic, heartfelt songs such as "Please Don't Touch Me" and "Roll in the Hay," but knowledge of the original film may make you feel like you're in on the jokes.

Modern Broadway also seems to be calling back to the lavish stage productions of the 1950s, since "Young Frankenstein" has some of the most ornate and beautiful sets on Broadway. You may find yourself sitting in the audience wondering, "How did they do that?"

The humor of the play relies both on the classic lines from the film ("Put the candle BACK!") and random pop culture references (the horses are named Blacken and Decker. Get it?). The characters often break the fourth wall and address the fact that they are inexplicably able to sing and dance together at random intervals, allowing the audience to laugh at a lavish musical, not just with it. The cast is perfect with their roles, especially Megan Mullaly (Will and Grace) as the wealthy fiancé, Elizabeth but it's Christopher Fitzgerald as Igor that steals the show, must like the original actor, Marty Feldman, did in the film.

Of course, no review of "Young Frankenstein" would be complete without mentioning the classic "Puttin' on the Ritz" scene. The entire audience appeared to wait for its performance, and when it began, the entire theater seemed to explode with laughter. It goes above and beyond the expectations in terms of humor and choreography.

"Young Frankenstein" will definitely be another huge hit for Mel Brooks on Broadway.